Why is it in the news?
The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, visited India as the Chief Guest at the 11th Raisina Dialogue.
During the visit, India–Finland relations were upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability.
Category: IR
Important Points:
● India and Finland upgraded their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership in Digitalization and Sustainability.
● A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed to facilitate movement of skilled Indian professionals to Finland.
● The Environmental Cooperation Agreement was renewed covering bioenergy, green hydrogen, renewable energy, and waste-to-energy.
● A Joint Task Force on 6G research was created between Bharat 6G Alliance and the University of Oulu in Finland.
● A Joint Working Group on Digitalization will promote cooperation in AI, quantum communication, 5G and high-performance computing.
● India and Finland will co-host the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) in 2026.
● India’s exports to Finland were USD 582.65 million while imports were USD 913.48 million in 2023–24.
● Major Indian exports include pharmaceuticals, textiles, metal manufactures and electrical machinery.
● Finland is a member of the Arctic Council, making it important for India’s Arctic research and cooperation.